Little Bookworm is very interested in animals and science, so we are always excited to learn about new science books for kids. Today we are excited to share a new STEM book for kids by Jennifer Swanson, an award winning author, teacher, and STEM advocate. I had an opportunity to ask her about her new book and her work in STEM.

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Footprints Across the Planet by Jennifer Swanson is an inspiring look at footprints around the world. The text explores the many different physical footprints that living creatures leave around the world, as well as the metaphorical footprints that we leave in our lives. The large, colorful photographs tell an amazing story on their own, zooming in on the small details of animal feet, and highlighting remarkable footprints that humans have left on the moon, on Mount Everest, and more.

As an animal lover, Little Bookworm was especially interested in exploring the close up photographs of the animals and insects. As a parent and teacher, I appreciate the inspirational message that we should consider the impact we leave on the world. This would be a great resources for classroom studies on animals and the differences between living things.

I had a chance to ask the author Jennifer Swanson a few questions.

What inspired you to write this book?

I have to admit that I was getting a bit down about our world. I wanted to figure out how to focus on the positive instead of the negative. But how? And then I was inspired by a combination of events–the first March for Science and the Women’s March in 2017, watching young Greta Thunberg make a difference, and also being able to listen to the amazing Ruth Bader Ginsberg speak at the National Book Festival. I thought- WOW- look at all of these people making a huge impact on the world just by showing their support for something they are passionate about.

Then it occurred to me that everything — whether human or animal, voices or activity– makes an impact and has a purpose. I wanted to show kids that they, too, can make an impact on the world, just by choosing to point themselves in a positive direction.

As a science teacher and author of more than 40 science books, what are your favorite science topics to teach or write about?

I really love to write about engineering and technology. I love to take complex STEM topics and turn them upside-down and inside-out. I want to make them exciting and engaging for kids (of all ages) so that they will maybe consider pursuing STEM as a career one day. Most of all, my hope is that by writing topics like these I’ll get kids to notice the science all around them.

What do you want readers and parents to take away from this book?

I want readers and parents to understand that sometimes things in this world seem difficult and overwhelming, and perhaps you feel like there is nothing you can do to help. You are already doing it. Like every being on this planet, you are already making an impact with your feet, your words, and your actions. While no one can solve all of the problems, try taking just one step.When taken in the right direction, it makes a world of difference.

Do you have a favorite footprint in the book (real or metaphorical)?

There are so many footprints in this book that I love, it’s difficult to pick just one. Since I love science and technology, I would have to say that the footprints up the side of Mount Everest and the ones taken by Dr. Sylvia Earle (as the first female aquanaut) in the ocean are probably my two favorite ones. But honestly, I love them all.

Related Post: 10 Books about Women Who Changed the World of Science

Footprint Matching

We were inspired by this book to take a look at the footprints in the world around us. So I created this printable animal track matching game. Not only did it give Little Bookworm practice recognizing animal tracks but also gave us an opportunity to talk about the differences between different animals. You can print the game for yourself here!

Related Post: New Children’s Books about Animals

Making an Impact

What footprints do you want to leave in the world? The end of this book provided a jumping off point for a big conversation. What kind of impact do we want to leave on the world? This is a great way to start talking to kids about the big and little things they can do to make a difference in the world around them. Start a list of things you can do every day to make a difference, and a list of big things you want to do to change the world.

Footprints Bookmarks

This book has an important message that I wanted my daughter to carry with her long after finishing it. So I decided to make these printable bookmarks to pair with it. Not only are they fun to color, but they will remind us of the message of the story and the impact we can have on the world. Print your own set here!

Dive into this fun new STEM book for kids and celebrate the impact we all make on the world!

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